Material including layer produced by ultraviolet-curable composition

ABSTRACT

A material includes a layer produced by an ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet that includes a polymerized compound and a glittering powder. The glittering powder has a scale-like shape. An average thickness of the glittering powder is more than 10 nm and less than 100 nm, an average grain diameter is less than 3.0 μm, and in addition, a maximum grain diameter is less than 5 μm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/860,321 filed on Sep. 21, 2015, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/310,459filed on Jun. 20, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,411, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/738,340filed on Jan. 10, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,819. This applicationclaims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-020356 filed onFeb. 1, 2012. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser.Nos. 14/860,321, 14/310,459 and 13/738,340 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2012-020356 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a material including a layer producedby an ultraviolet-curable composition.

Background Technology

Conventionally, as a production method of a decorative productpresenting glossy appearance, a metallic plating, a stamp-printing byusing a metallic foil, a thermal transfer by using a metallic foil, orthe like have been used. However, in these methods, problems appearedsuch that it was difficult to form a fine pattern and also, it wasdifficult to perform an application to a curved surface part. Also, inthe stamp-printing, it had a low on-demand characteristic so that it wasnot appropriate for the high multi-production. In addition, a problemappeared such that a metal kind of gradation cannot be printed.

On the other hand, as a recording method to a recording medium bycompositions including pigments or colorants, an inkjet method is used.The inkjet method provides excellent formation of the fine pattern andit is appropriate to perform the application to the curve surface part.Also, in recent years, a composition (ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet), which becomes hardened when irradiating ultraviolet, hasbeen used in order to provide excellent abrasion resistance, excellentwater resistance, excellent solvent resistance, or the like in theinkjet method (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent PublicationNo. 2009-57548). However, in the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet, when a glittering powder, which is like a metal powder, was usedinstead of general pigments or colorants, a problem appeared such thatthe characteristics such as a glossy appearance cannot be sufficientlydemonstrated.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide a material having apattern (layer) with excellent glossy appearance and excellentdurability.

These objects are achieved by the aspects as discussed below.

A material according to one aspect includes a layer produced by anultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet that includes a polymerizedcompound and a glittering powder. A content rate of the glitteringpowder in the layer is more than 0.1 percent by volume and less than 5.0percent by volume.

In the material of the above aspect, it is preferable that theglittering powder has a scale-like shape. Because of this, the materialcan be provided with a particular excellent glossy appearance and aparticular excellent durability. In the material of the above aspect,the average thickness of the glittering powder is preferably more than10 nm and less than 100 nm, the average grain diameter is preferablyless than 3.0 μm, and in addition, the maximum grain diameter ispreferably less than 5 μm. Because of this, the material can be providedwith excellent glossy appearance and excellent high-class appearance.

In the material of the above aspect, a thickness of the layer is T (μm),and when an area that is thickness 0.5 T (μm) from an outer surface inthe layer is a first area and an area that is thickness 0.5 T (μm) froma contact surface contacting the medium in the layer is a second area, aratio of the glittering powder included in the first area of the layeris more than 70 percent by volume and less than 95 percent by volume,and a ratio of the glittering powder included in the second area of thelayer is more than 5 percent by volume and less than 30 percent byvolume.

In the material of the above aspect, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet in which mother particles constitute A1 on at least vicinityof a surface as the glittering powder includes metal particles treatedby a surface preparation with a fluorinated silane compound and/or afluorinated phosphate ester as a surface preparation agent. Among thevarious metal materials, A1 originally has excellent glossy appearance,but the present inventors have discovered problems such that when thepowder constituting A1 was used for the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet, the discharge stability in the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet became low, and the glossy appearance of therecording medium produced by using the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet was weak compare to the glossy appearance used to be includedin the constituent material (A1) of the glittering powder. On the otherhand, even when the mother particles constituting A1 on the surface wasused, the occurrence of the above problems can be properly preventedwhen the glittering powder (metal powder) was treated by a fluorinatedsilane compound and/or fluorinated phosphate ester as a surfacepreparation agent. That is, in the glittering powder constituting theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet, since the powder (motherparticles) constituting mainly A1 on at least the surface is treated bya surface preparation with the fluorinated silane compound and/or thefluorinated phosphate ester, the above described effects areparticularly demonstrated. The excellent glossy appearance of thematerial, and the excellent storage stability and the excellentdischarge stability of the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetare respectively secured at the high level.

In the material of the above aspect, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet preferably includes the metal powder that is treated by thesurface preparation with the fluorinated silane compound that has achemical formula shown in formula (1) below.

R¹SiX¹ _(a)R² _((3-a))  (1)

(In formula (1), R¹ represents a hydrocarbon group in which a part orall of hydrogen atoms is substituted by fluorine atom, X¹ representshydrolysis group, ether group, chloro group or hydroxyl group, R²represents alkyl group having a carbon number 1 to 4, and a representsan integer between 1 to 3.) Because of this, the print layer of thematerial can be provided with a particular excellent glossy appearanceand a particular excellent abrasion resistance.

In the material of the above aspect, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet preferably includes the metal powder that is treated by thesurface preparation with the fluorinated phosphate ester having achemical formula shown in formula (2) below.

POR_(n)(OH)_(3-n)  (2)

(In formula (2), R represents CF₃ (CF₂)_(m)—, CF₃ (CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(l)—,CF₃ (CF₂)_(m)(CH₂O)_(l)—, CF₃ (CF₂)_(m)(CH₂CH₂O)_(l)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)O— orCF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(l)O—, n represents an integer between 1 to 3, mrepresents an integer between 2 to 18, and l represents an integerbetween 1 to 18. Because of this, the print layer of the material can beprovided with a particular excellent glossy appearance and a particularexcellent durability.

In the material of the present invention, it is preferable that thesurface preparation agent has a perfluoroalkyl structure. Because ofthis, the print layer of the material can be provided with excellentglossy appearance and excellent durability. In the material of the aboveaspect, in addition to the polymerized compound and the metal powder,the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet includes a dispersanthaving a polymeric structure in a basic. Because of this, the printlayer of the material can be provided with excellent glossy appearanceand excellent durability.

In the material of the above aspect, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet preferably includes phenoxyethyl acrylate as a polymerizedcompound. Because of this, the print layer of the material can beprovided with excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability. Inthe material of the above aspect, in addition to the phenoxyethylacrylate as described above, as a polymerized compound, theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet preferably includes at leastone selected from a group comprising 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy) ethylacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate,2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyle acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate.Because of this, the material can be provided with excellent glossyappearance and excellent durability.

In the material of the above aspect, as a polymerized compound, theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet preferably includes at leastone selected from a group comprising dimethylol tricyclodecanediacrylate, dimethylol dicyclopentane diacrylate, dicyclopentenylacrylate, dicyclopentanyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate,acryloylmorpholine, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate,isobutyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, ethylcarbitolacrylate, and methoxy triethylene glycol acrylate. Because of this, thematerial can be provided with excellent glossy appearance and excellentdurability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a recording material in a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the detail about the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention will be explained by reference to the attached drawing.

Recording Material

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a recording material in a preferredembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a recordingmaterial 10 includes a recording medium 1 and a print layer 2 formed onthe recording medium 1.

The print layer 2 is formed by using an ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet including a polymerized compound and a glittering powder, andit has a configuration that the glittering powder is dispersed in ahardened part 2 that constitutes a material including a hardenedmaterial of the polymerized compound. And, the thickness of the printlayer 2 is T (μm). When an area of thickness 0.5 T (μm) from the outersurface of the print layer 2 in the print layer 2 is the first area 21,and an area of thickness 0.5 T (μm) from the contact surface contactingthe recording medium 1 in the print layer 2 is the second area 22, aratio of the glittering powder 23 included in the first area 21 of theprint layer 2 is more than 70 percent by volume and less than 95 percentby volume and a ratio of the glittering powder 23 included in the secondarea 22 of the print layer 2 is more than 5 percent by volume and lessthan 30 percent by volume. By this configuration, in the first area 21,a layer including the hardened material of the polymerized compound isthickly formed on the glittering powder 23 so that in view of theappearance of the recording medium 10, it can be properly prevented fromthe occurrence of the problem such that the glossy appearance of thematerial constituting the glittering powder 23 is not sufficientlydemonstrated. As a result, the print layer 2 can be provided withexcellent glossy appearance. Also, in the second area 22, by includingthe glittering powder 23 in a predetermined ratio, an effect as a fillercan be demonstrated and this effect is combined with an effect of thepolymerized compound in the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetso that it can be provided with a particular excellent adhesiveness tothe recording medium 1 of the print layer 2 and a particular excellentdurability of the recording material 10. That is, in accordance with therecording material of the present invention, both excellent glossyappearance and excellent durability can be achieved (for example,abrasion resistance, film strength of print layer, adhesiveness to therecording material of the print layer when a temperature changeoccurred).

On the other hand, when the ratios of the glittering powder included inthe first area and the second area were out of range, the abovedescribed excellent effects were not obtained. That is, when the ratioof the glittering powder included in the first area was less than thelower limit value, the recording material cannot be sufficientlyprovided with the glossy appearance. Also, when the ratio of theglittering powder included in the first area was more than the higherlimit value, the content rate of the glittering powder in the secondarea became relatively low so that the excellent durability of therecording material (for example, abrasion resistance, film strength ofprint layer, adhesiveness to the recording material of the print layerwhen a temperature change occurred) cannot be sufficiently provided.Also, when the ratio of the glittering powder included in the secondarea was less than the lower limit value, the excellent durability ofthe recording material (for example, abrasion resistance, film strengthof print layer, adhesiveness to the recording material of the printlayer when a temperature change occurred) cannot be sufficientlyprovided. Also, when the ratio of the glittering powder included in thesecond area was more than the higher limit value, the content rate ofthe glittering powder in the first area became relatively low so thatthe recording material cannot be sufficiently provided with excellentglossy appearance. By the way, the ratio of the glittering powder 23included in the first area 21 of the print layer 2 and the ratio of theglittering powder 23 included in the second area 22 of the print layer 2can be obtained by observing the cross-section by using an electronscanning microscope after the recording material 10 was cut by the FIB(focused ion beam).

As discussed above, a ratio of the glittering powder 23 included in thefirst area 21 of the print layer 2 can be more than 70 percent by volumeand less than 95 percent by volume, but it is preferably more than 80percent by volume and less than 93 percent by volume, and morepreferably more than 85 percent by volume and less than 90 percent byvolume. Because of this, the above described effects can besignificantly demonstrated. Also, a ratio of the glittering powder 23included in the second area 22 of the print layer 2 can be more than 5percent by volume and less than 30 percent by volume, but it ispreferably more than 7 percent by volume and less than 20 percent byvolume, and more preferably more than 10 percent by volume and less than15 percent by volume. Because of this, the above described effects canbe significantly demonstrated.

The thickness of the print layer 2 is preferably more than 0.5 μm andless than 50 μm, and more preferably more than 2.0 μm and less than 15μm. Because of this, the recording material 10 can be provided with aparticular excellent glossy appearance and a particular excellentdurability. The content of the glittering powder in the print layer 2 ispreferably more than 0.1 percent by volume and less than 5.0 percent byvolume, and more preferably more than 0.3 percent by volume and lessthan 3.0 percent by volume. Because of this, the recording material 10can be provided with a particular excellent glossy appearance and aparticular excellent durability.

The recording material of the present invention can be used for anypurpose, and for example, it can be used for a decoration product orother purpose. As concrete examples of the present invention, it can beinterior decorations for vehicles such as a console lid, a switch-base,a center cluster, an interior panel, an emblem, a center console, anindicator face plate, or the like. Also, it can be indicators such as acontrol part (type of key switch) of various electric devices, adecorative part demonstrating decorative characteristics, a guidepost, alogo, or the like.

The ultraviolet-curable composition used for forming the print layer 2includes the polymerized compound, and also, the glittering powder 23having an effect as a filler is included in the second area 22 in apredetermined ratio so that the print layer 2 provides excellentadhesiveness to the recording medium 1. Therefore, the recording medium1 can be any material, but it is preferable to constitute a non-absorbedmaterial (does not have an ink receive layer). Because of this, it ismore properly to form the print layer 2 that satisfies the abovedescribed conditions. For example, for the recording medium 1, a plasticmaterial, a metal, a ceramic, a wood material, shells, or the like canbe used.

Next, the detail about the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetused for forming the print layer 2 will be explained.

Ultraviolet-Curable Composition for Inkjet

The ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet used for forming theprint layer 2 is discharged by the inkjet method and includes theglittering powder and the polymerized compound that is polymerized byirradiating ultraviolet light.

Glittering Powder

As discussed above, the recording material 10 of the present inventionused for the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet includes theglittering powder 23. The glittering powder 23 could be anything if ithas glossy appearance in itself. As a material constituting theglittering powder 23, for example, it can be a metal as a single elementor various metal materials such as various alloys, various metallicoxide such as silica or oxidized titanium, various complex compositionssuch as a resin or a metallic oxide as a base coated by deposition fromvapor phase or plating, or the like. Also, the glittering powder 23could be mother particles constituting a material having the glossyappearance and the mother particles are treated by the surfacepreparation with the surface preparation agent. Because of this, whilesecuring excellent glossy appearance, it can be provided with excellentdispersing stability of the glittering powder 23 in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet, and it can be provided withexcellent storage stability and excellent discharge stability of theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet.

Specifically, as the glittering powder 23, it is preferable that themother particles constituting A1 on at least vicinity surface and themother particles (metal powder) are treated by the surface preparationwith the fluorinated silane compound and/or the fluorinated phosphateester as a surface preparation agent. Among various materials, A1originally has a particular excellent glossy appearance, but the presentinventors discovered the occurrence of specific problems that when thepowder constituting A1 was used for the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet, the dispersing stability became low in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet, and the glossy appearance inthe recording material produced by using the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet was weak compare to the original glossyappearance in the constituent material (A1) of the glittering powder. Onthe other hand, even when the mother powder constituting A1 on thesurface was used, the above described occurrence of the problems can beproperly prevented when the glittering powder (metal powder) was treatedby the fluorinated silane compound and/or the fluorinated phosphateester as a surface preparation agent. That is, the above describedeffects in the glittering powder constituting the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be specifically demonstrated by treating thepowder (mother powder) constituting mainly A1 on at least surface withthe surface preparation using the fluorinated silane compound and/orfluorinated phosphate ester. Therefore, the excellent glossy appearanceof the recording material, and excellent storage stability and excellentdischarge stability of the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetcan be respectively secured at the high level.

Also, the mother particles could be produced by any methods, but when itconstitutes A1, it is preferable to obtain the particles in a way that afilm constituting A1 was formed by a vapor deposition method and afterthat, the film was crushed. Because of this, in the print layer 2, theglossy appearance which is originally included in A1 can be moreeffectively demonstrated. Also, variability of the characteristicsbetween the respective particles can be suppressed. Also, by using themethod, it can be properly produced even when the glittering powder 23is comparatively thin.

When the mother particles are produced by using this type of method, forexample, by performing the formation of film (film formation)constituted with A1 on the base material, the mother particles can beproduced appropriately. As a base material, for example, a plastic filmsuch as polyethylene terephthalate or the like can be used. Also, thebase material can be included a parting agent layer on the surface ofthe film formation. Also, it is preferable that the crushing film isperformed in a liquid by giving supersonic vibration to the film. Bythis process, while the mother particles having the above describedgrain diameter can be easily and securely obtained, the generation ofthe various sizes, shapes, and characteristics within the particles canbe suppressed.

Also, in the above described method, when performing the crushing film,as liquid, alcohol compounds such as methanol, ethanol, propanol,butanol, carbon hydride compounds such as n-heptane, n-octane, decane,dodecane, tetra-decane, toluene, xylene, cymene, durene, indene,dipentene, tetrahydronaphthalene, decahydronaphthalene,cyclohexylebenzene, ether compounds such as ethyl glycol dimethyl ether,ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol methylethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether,diethylene glycol methylethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl etheracetate, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol dimethylether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane,bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether, p-dioxane, and polar compounds such aspropylene carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, N-methyl-2-pyrolidone, N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), N, N-dimethyl acetamide (DMA), dimethylsulfoxide, cyclohexanone, acetonitrile can be used appropriately. Byusing this type of the liquid, it prevents the unexpected oxidation ofthe mother particles, and the excellent productivity of the motherparticles and the glittering powder 23 can be provided. Also, thepossibility of generating various sizes, shapes, and characteristicswithin the particles can be small. As described above, the glitteringpowder 23 can be specifically treated by the surface preparation withthe fluorinated silane compound and/or the fluorinated phosphate esteras a surface preparation agent.

The detail about the fluorinated silane compound in the surfacepreparation agent will be explained below. A silane compound having atleast one fluorine atom in the molecule can be used as the fluorinatedsilane compound. Specifically, it is preferred that the fluorinatedsilane compound as the surface preparation agent has a chemical formulashown in formula (1) below.

R¹SiX¹ _(a)R² _((3-a))  (1)

(In formula (1), R¹ represents a hydrocarbon group in which a part orall of hydrogen atoms is substituted by fluorine atom, X¹ representshydrolysis group, ether group, chloro group or hydroxyl group, R²represents alkyl group having a carbon number 1 to 4, and a representsan integer between 1 to 3.)

Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can beprovided with excellent storage stability, and the print layer 2produced by using the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can beprovided with excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability. AsR¹ in formula (1), for example, it can be alkyl group, alkenyl group,aryl group, aralkyl group in which a part or all of hydrogen atoms aresubstituted by fluorine atom. In addition, at least a part of hydrogenatoms (hydrogen atoms which are not substituted by fluorine atom)included in the molecular configuration can be substituted by aminogroup, carboxyl group, hydroxyl group, thiol group or the like, andhetero atom or benzene of aromatic ring such as —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N=canintervene within a carbon chain. For example, the concrete examples ofR¹ are that a part or all of hydrogen atoms are substituted by fluorineatoms in phenyl group, benzyl group, phenethyl group, hydroxyphenylgroup, chlorophenyl group, aminophenyl group, naphthyl group, anthranilgroup, pyrenyl group, thienyl group, pyrrolyl group, cyclohexyl group,cyclohexenyl group, cyclopentyl group, cyclopentenyl group, pyridinylgroup, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group,n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group,octadecyl group, n-octyl group, chloromethyl group, methoxyethyl group,hydroxyethyl group, aminoethyl group, cyano group, mercaptopropyl group,vinyl group, allyl group, acryloxyethyl group, methacryloxyethyl group,glycidoxypropyl group, or acetoxy group.

As a concrete example of the fluorinated silane compound shown informula (1), it is preferable to include a compound having aconfiguration that a part or all of hydrogen atoms in a silane compoundare substituted by fluorine atoms. The silane compounds are dimethyldimethoxy silane, diethyl diethoxy silane, 1-propenyl methyldichlorosilane, propyl dimethyl chlorosilane, propylmethyldichlorosilane, propyl trichlorosilane, propyl triethoxysilane, propyltrimethoxysilane, styrylethyl trimethoxysilane, tetradecyltrichlorosilane, 3-thiocyanate propyl triethoxysilane, p-tolyldimethylchlorosilane, p-tolyl methyl dichlorosilane, p-tolyltrichlorosilane, p-tolyl trimethoxysilane, p-tolyl triethoxysilane,di-n-propyl di-n-propoxysilane, diisopropyl di-iso-propoxysilane,di-n-butyl di-n-butyloxysilane, di-sec-butyl di-sec-butyloxysilane,di-t-butyl di-t-butyloxysilane, octadecyltrichlorosilane, octadecylmethyl diethoxy silane, octadecyl triethoxysilane, octadecyltrimethoxysilane, octadecyl dimethylchlorosilane, octadecyl methyldichlorosilane, octadecyl methoxy dichlorosilane, 7-octenyldimethylchlorosilane, 7-octenyl trichlorosilane, 7-octenyltrimethoxysilane, octyl methyl dichlorosilane, octyl dimethylchlorosilane, octyl trichlorosilane, 10-undecenyl dimethylchlorosilane,undecyl trichlorosilane, vinyl dimethyl chlorosilane, methyl octadecyldimethoxysilane, methyl dodecyl diethoxysilane, methyl octadecyldimethoxysilane, methyl octadecyl diethoxy silane, n-octyl methyldimethoxy silane, n-octyl methyl diethoxy silane, triancotildimethylchlorosilane, triancotil trichlorosilane, methyltrimethoxysilane, methyl triethoxysilane, methyltri-n-propoxysilane,methyl iso-propoxysilane, methyl-n-butyloxysilane,methyltri-sec-butyloxysilane, methyltri-t-butyloxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, ethyl triethoxysilane, ethyl tri-n-propoxysilane,ethyl isopropoxysilane, ethyl-n-butyloxysilane, ethyltri-sec-butyloxysilane, ethyl tri-t-butyloxysilane, n-propyltrimethoxysilane, isobutyl trimethoxysilane, n-hexyl trimethoxy silane,hexadecyl trimethoxysilane, n-octyl trimethoxysilane, n-dodecyltrimethoxy silane, n-octadecyl trimethoxysilane, n-propyltriethoxysilane, isobutyl triethoxysilane, n-hexyl triethoxysilane,hexadecyl triethoxysilane, n-octyl triethoxysilane, n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane, n-octadecyl triethoxysilane, 2-[2-(trichlorosilyl)ethyl] pyridine, 4-[2-(trichlorosilyl) ethyl] pyridine, diphenyldimethoxysilane, diphenyl diethoxysilane 1,3-(trichlorosilyl methyl)heptacosane, dibenzyl dimethoxysilane, dibenzyl diethoxy silane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyl methyl dimethoxy silane, phenyl dimethylmethoxysilane, phenyl dimethoxysilane, phenyl diethoxysilane, phenylmethyl diethoxysilane, phenyl dimethyl ethoxysilane, benzyltriethoxysilane, benzyl trimethoxysilane, benzyl methyl dimethoxysilane, benzyl dimethyl trimethoxysilane, benzyl dimethoxysilane, benzyldiethoxysilane, benzyl methyl diethoxysilane, benzyl dimethyethoxylsilane, benzyl triethoxysilane, dibenzyl dimethoxysilane,dibenzyl diethoxysilane, 3-acetoxypropyl trimethoxysilane,3-acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, allyl trimethoxysilane, allyltriethoxysilane, 4-aminobutyl triethoxysilane (amino ethyl amino methyl)phenethyl trimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane,6-(aminohexyl aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane, p-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, p-aminophenyl ethoxysilane, m-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, m-aminophenyl triethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, co-aminoundecyltrimethoxysilane, amyl triethoxysilane, benzoxazocinepine dimethylester, 5-(bicyclo heptenyl) triethoxysilane, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, 8-bromooctyltrimethoxysilane, bromophenyl trimethoxysilane, 3-bromopropyltrimethoxysilane, n-butyl trimethoxysilane, 2-chloromethyltriethoxysilane, chloromethyl methyl diethoxysilane, chloromethyl methyldiisopropoxysilane, p-(chloromethyl) phenyl trimethoxysilane,chloromethyl triethoxysilane, chlorophenyl triethoxysilane,3-chloropropyl methyl dimethoxysilane, 3-chloropropyl triethoxysilane,3-chloropropyl trimethoxysilane, 2-(4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl) ethyltrimethoxysilane, 2-cyanoethyl triethoxysilane, 2-cyanoethyltrimethoxysilane, cyanomethyl phenethyl triethoxysilane, 3-cyanopropyltriethoxysilane, 2-(3-cyclohexenyl) ethyl trimethoxysilane,2-(3-cyclohexenyl) ethyl triethoxysilane, 3-cyclohexenyltrichlorosilane, 2-(3-cyclohexenyl) ethyl trichlorosilane,2-(3-cyclohexenyl) ethyl dimethyl chlorosilane, 2-(3-cyclohexenyl) ethylmethyl dichlorosilane, cyclohexyl dimethylchlorosilane, cyclohexyl ethyldimethoxysilane, cyclohexyl methyl dichlorosilane, cyclohexyl methyldimethoxysilane, (cyclohexyl methyl) trichlorosilane, cyclohexyltrichlorosilane, cyclohexyl trimethoxysilane, cyclooctyltrichlorosilane, (4-cyclooctenyl) trichlorosilane, cyclopentyltrichlorosilane, cyclopentyl trimethoxysilane,1,1-diethoxy-1-Silacyclopenta-3-ene, 3-(2,4-dinitrophenyl amino) propyltriethoxysilane, (dimethyl chlorosilyl) methyl-7,7-dimethyl aminolupinane, (cyclohexyl aminomethyl) methyl diethoxysilane, (3-cyclopentadienylpropyl) triethoxysilane, N, N-diethyl-3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) ethyltrimethoxysilane,2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) ethyl triethoxysilane, (furfuryl oxymethyl)triethoxysilane, 2-hydroxy-4-(3-tri-ethoxy propoxy) diphenyl ketone,3-(p-methoxyphenyl) propyl methyl dichlorosilane, 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)propyl trichlorosilane, p-(methylphenethyl) methyl dichlorosilane,p-(methylphenethyl) trichlorosilane, p-(methylphenethyl)dimethylchlorosilane, 3-morpholinopropyl trimethoxysilane,(3-glycidoxypropyl) methyldiethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane,1,2,3,4,7,7-hexachloro-6-methyldiethoxysilyl-2-norbornene,1,2,3,4,7,7-hexachloro-6-triethoxysilyl-2-norbornene, 3-iodine propyltrimethoxysilane, 3-isocyanate propyl triethoxysilane, (mercaptomethyl)methyldiethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyl methyldimethoxy silane,3-mercaptopropyl dimethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane,3-methacryloxypropyl methyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, methyl-{2-(3-trimethoxysilyl propylamino)ethylamino}-3-propionate, 7-octenyl trimethoxysilane,R—N-α-phenethyl-N′-triethoxysilyl propyl urea,S—N-α-phenethyl-N′-triethoxysilyl propyl urea, phenethyltrimethoxysilane, phenethyl methyl dimethoxysilane, phenethyldimethylsilane, phenethyl dimethoxysilane, phenethyl diethoxysilane,phenethyl methyl diethoxy silane, phenethyl dimethylethoxysilane,phenethyl triethoxysilane, (3-phenylpropyl) dimethylchlorosilane,(3-phenylpropyl) methyldichlorosilane, N-phenyl aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(triethoxysilylpropyl) dansylamide,N-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazole,2-(triethoxysilylethyl)-5-(chloroacetoxy) bicycloheptane,(S)—N-triethoxysilylpropyl-O-menthocarbamate,3-(triethoxysilylpropyl)-p-nitro-benzamide, 3-(triethoxysilyl) propylsuccinate anhydride, N-[5-(trimethoxysilyl)-2-aza-1-oxo-pentyl]caprolactam, 2-(trimethoxysilylethyl) pyridine, N-(trimethoxysilylethyl)benzyl-N, N, N-trimethyl ammonium chloride, phenyl vinyl diethoxysilane,3-thiocyanate propyltriethoxysilane, N-{3 acid (triethoxysilyl) propyl}phthalamide, 1-trimethoxysilyl-2-(chloromethyl) phenyl ethane,2-(trimethoxysilyl) ethyl phenyl sulfonyl azide, β-trimethoxysilylethyl-2-pyridine, trimethoxysilylpropyl diethylene triamine,N-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) pyrrole, N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N, N,N-tri-butyl ammonium bromide, N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N, N, N-tributylammonium chloride, N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N, N, N-trimethylammoniumchloride, vinyl methyl diethoxysilane, vinyl triethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyl methyl dimethoxysilane, vinyl dimethylmethoxysilane, vinyl dimethyl ethoxysilane, vinyl methyl dichlorosilane,vinyl phenyl dichlorosilane, vinyl phenyl diethoxysilane, vinyl phenyldimethylsilane, vinyl phenyl methyl chlorosilane, vinyltri-phenoxysilane, vinyl tris-t-butoxysilane, adamantyl ethyltrichlorosilane, allyl phenyl trichlorosilane, (aminoethyl aminomethyl)phenethyl trimethoxysilane, 3-aminophenoxy dimethyl vinyl silane, phenyltrichlorosilane, phenyl dimethylchlorosilane, phenyl methyldichlorosilane, benzyl trichloro silane, benzyl dimethyl chlorosilane,benzyl methyl dichlorosilane, phenethyl diisopropyl chlorosilane,phenethyl trichlorosilane, phenethyl dimethylchlorosilane, phenethylmethyldichlorosilane, 5-(bicyclo heptenyl) trichlorosilane 5-(bicycloheptenyl) triethoxy silane, 2-(bicyclo heptyl) dimethylchlorosilane,2-(bicyclo heptyl) trichlorosilane, 1,4-bis (trimethoxysilylethyl)benzene, bromophenyl trichlorosilane, 3-phenoxypropyldimethylchlorosilane, 3-phenoxypropyl trichlorosilane, t-butyl phenylchlorosilane, t-butyl phenyl methoxysilane, t-butyl phenyldichlorosilane, p-(t-butyl) phenethyl dimethylchlorosilane, p-(t-butyl)phenethyl trichlorosilane, 1,3-(dichloromethyl silylmethyl) heptacosane,((chloromethyl) phenylethyl) dimethylchlorosilane, ((chloromethyl)phenylethyl) methyl dichlorosilane, ((chloromethyl) phenylethyl)trichlorosilane, ((chloromethyl) phenylethyl) trimethoxysilane,chlorophenyl trichlorosilane, 2-cyanoethyl trichlorosilane, 2-cyanoethylmethyl dichlorosilane, 3-cyanopropyl methyldiethoxysilane, 3-cyanopropylmethyl dichlorosilane, 3-cyanopropyl methyl dichlorosilane,3-cyanopropyl dimethylethoxysilane, 3-cyanopropyl methyl dichlorosilane,3-cyanopropyl trichlorosilane, or the like.

It is preferable that the fluorinated silane compound (surfacepreparation agent) has a perfluoroalkyl structure (C_(n)F_(2n+1)).Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable compound for inkjet can beprovided with excellent storage stability, and the print layer 2 of therecording material 10 can be excellent glossy appearance and excellentdurability. As a fluorinated silane compound having a perfluoroalkylstructure (C_(n)F_(2n+1)), for example, it can be shown in formula (3)below.

C_(n)F_(2n+1)(CH₂)_(m)SiX¹ _(a)R² _((3-a))  (3)

(In formula (3), X¹ represents hydrolysis group, ether group, chlorogroup or hydroxyl group, R² represents alkyl group having a carbonnumber 1 to 4, n represents an integer between 1 to 14, m represents aninteger between 2 to 6, and a represents an integer between 1 to 3.)

The concrete examples of the compound having such a structure areCF₃—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, CF₃(CF₂)₃—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃,CF₃(CF₂)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, CF₃(CF₂)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(OC₂H₅)₃,CF₃(CF₂)₇—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, CF₃(CF₂)₁₁—CH₂CH₂—Si(OC₂H₅)₃,CF₃(CF₂)₃—CH₂CH₂—Si(CH₃)(OCH₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₇—CH₂CH₂—Si(CH₃)(OCH₃)₂,CF₃(CF₂)₈—CH₂CH₂—Si(CH₃)(OC₂H₅)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₈—CH₂CH₂—Si(C₂H₅)(OC₂H₅)₂, orthe like.

Also, as a fluorinated silane composition, it is also possible to use aperfluoroether structure (C_(n)F_(2n+1)O) instead of perfluoroalkylstructure (C_(n)F_(2n+1)). As a fluorinated silane composition having aperfluoroether structure (C_(n)F_(2n+1)O), for example, it can be shownin formula (4) below.

C_(p)F_(2p+1)O(C_(p)F_(2p)O)_(r)(CH₂)_(m)SiX¹ _(a)R² _((3-a))  (4)

(In formula (4), X¹ represents hydrolysis group, ether group, chlorogroup or hydroxyl group, R² represents alkyl group having a carbonnumber 1 to 4, p represents an integer between 1 to 4, r represents aninteger less than 10, m represents an integer between 2 to 6, and arepresents an integer between 1 to 3.)

The concrete examples of the composition having such a structure areCF₃O(CF₂O)₆—CH₂CH₂—Si(OC₂H₅)₃, CF₃O(C3F6O)₄—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃,CF₃O(C3F6O)₂(CF₂O)₃—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, CF₃O(C3F6O)₈—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃,CF₃O(C4F9O)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, CF₃O(C4F9O)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(CH₃)(OC₂H₅)₂,CF₃O(C3F6O)₄—CH₂CH₂—Si(C₂H₅)(OCH₃)₂.

Next, among the surface preparation agents, the detail about thefluorinated phosphate ester will be explained. As a fluorinatedphosphate ester, a phosphate ester having at least one fluorine atomwithin a molecule can be used. Specifically, it is preferable that thefluorinated phosphate ester as the surface preparation agent has achemical formula shown in formula (2) below.

POR_(n)(OH)_(3-n)  (2)

(In formula (2), R represents CF₃(CF₂)_(m)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(l)—,CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂O)_(l)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂CH₂O)_(l)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)O— orCF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(l)O—, n represents an integer between 1 to 3, mrepresents an integer between 2 to 18, and 1 represents an integerbetween 1 to 18.)

Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can beprovided with a particular excellent storage stability, and a printlayer 10 of the recording material 10 can be provided with a particularexcellent glossy appearance and a particular excellent durability. Informula (2), it is preferable that m is an integer between 3 to 14, butan integer between 4 to 12 is more preferable. Thus, the above describedeffect can be more sufficiently demonstrated. In addition, in formula(2), it is preferable that 1 is an integer between 1 to 14, but aninteger between 1 to 10 is more preferable. Because of this, the abovedescribed effect can be more sufficiently demonstrated. Also, it ispreferable that the fluorinated phosphate ester (surface preparationagent) has (C_(n)F_(2n+1)). Because of this, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with excellent storage stability,and a print layer 2 of the recording material 10 can be provided withexcellent glossy appearance and excellent durability.

The above surface preparation agent (fluorinated silane composition,fluorinated phosphate ester) can directly treat the mother particles,but it is preferable that after treating acid or base, the motherparticles are treated by the surface preparation agent (fluorinatedsilane composition, fluorinated phosphate ester). Because of this, amodification provided by a chemical bonding to the surface of the motherparticles treated by the surface preparation agent (fluorinated silanecomposition, fluorinated phosphate ester) can be securely performed sothat the above described effect can be more effectively demonstrated. Asan acid, for example, it can be proton acid of hydrochloric acid,sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid,formic acid, benzoic acid, chlorous acid, hypochlorous acid, sulfurousacid, hyposulfurous acid, nitrous acid, hyponitrous acid, phosphorousacid, and hypophosphorous acid, or the like. Among them, hydrochloricacid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid can be preferable. On the otherhand, as a base, for example, sodium hydrate, potassium hydrate, calciumhydrate, or the like can be used. Among them, sodium hydrate andpotassium hydrate can be preferable.

The shape of the glittering powder 23 can be spherical shape, spindleshape, needle-shape, or the like, but scale like-shape can bepreferable. Because of this, on the recording medium that theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet is used, a main surface ofthe glittering powder 23 can be properly arranged along a surface shapeof the recording medium so that the material constituting the glitteringpowder 23, which is originally provided with glossy appearance or thelike, can be effectively demonstrated in the recording material 10.Also, the print layer 2 can be provided with a particular excellentglossy appearance and a particular excellent high-class appearance, andthe recording material 10 can be provided with a particular excellentdurability.

In the present invention, the scale-like shape is defined that an areaas viewed from a predetermined angle (as viewed in a planar view) isbigger shape than an area as viewed in a direction perpendicular to anobservation direction such as a plated-form or a curved plated-form.Specifically, a ratio between an area S₁ (μm²) as viewed in a directionobserved from where a profile area becomes maximum and an area S₀ (μm²)as viewed in a direction observed from where an area as viewed in adirection perpendicular to an observation direction becomes maximum ispreferably more than 2, and more preferably more than 5, and furtherpreferably more than 8. For example, this value can be obtained byperforming the observation for any 10 particles and averaging thecalculated values for these particles.

The average thickness of the glittering powder 23 is more than 10 nm andless than 100 nm, the average grain diameter of the glittering powder 23is more than 500 nm and less than 3.0 μm, and the maximum grain diameterof the glittering powder 23 is less than 5 μm. Because of this, therecording material 10 can be provided with excellent glossy appearanceand excellent high-class appearance. Also, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with excellent storage stabilityand excellent discharge stability.

As described above, the average thickness of the glittering powder 23 ispreferably more than 10 nm and less than 100 nm, but it is morepreferably more than 20 nm and less than 60 nm. Because of this, theabove described effect can be more efficiently demonstrated. Also, theaverage grain diameter of the glittering powder 23 can be more than 500nm and less than 3.0 μm, but it is more preferably more than 750 nm andless than 2.0 μm. Because of this, the above described effect can bemore efficiently demonstrated. Also, the maximum grain diameter of theglittering powder 23 can be loss than 5 μm, but it is more preferablyless than 3.5 μm. Because of this, the above described effect can bemore efficiently demonstrated.

As described above, the content rate of the glittering powder 23 in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet is preferably more than 0.5mass % and less than 10.0 mass %, and more preferably more than 1.0 mass% and less than 5.0 mass %. By the way, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can include more than 2 types of the powder asthe glittering powder 23. For example, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can include the plural types of surface preparedpowder that are different from each other, or it can include the pluraltypes of powder having the contents of the mother particles that aredifferent from each other. Because of this, the ratio of the glitteringpowder 23 included in the first area 21 in the print layer 2, and theratio of the glittering powder 23 included in the second area 22 in theprint layer 2 can be easily included in the above described ranges. Inthis case, the sum of these content rates is preferably in the range ofthe value.

Polymerized Compound

A polymerized compound has properties such that it can be polymerized byirradiating ultraviolet and can be hardened. By including these types ofproperties, the recording material 10 can be provided with excellentdurability (excellent abrasion resistance, excellent water resistance,excellent solvent resistance, or the like). The polymerized compound isliquid form so that in the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet,it is preferable to be functional as a dispersant to disperse theglittering powder 23. Because of this, it is not necessary to separatelyuse a dispersant which is removed (vaporized) in the production processof the recording material. Since the dispersant removal process isunnecessary in the production of the recording material, the excellentproductivity of the recording material can be provided. Also, since itis not necessary to use the organic solvent that is used in general as adispersant, an occurrence of the VOC (volatile organic compound) problemcan be prevented. Also, by containing the polymerized compound, theprint layer 2 can be provided with excellent adhesiveness to variousrecording mediums 1 (base material). That is, by containing thepolymerized compound, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetbecomes excellent media responsiveness.

As a polymerized compound, if it has a component that can be polymerizedby irradiating ultraviolet, for example, various types of monomer,various types of oligomer (including dimer, trimer, or the like), or thelike can be used. However, the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet preferably contains at least a monomer component as a polymerizedcompound. Monomer generally has a low viscosity compare to oligomercomponent, or the like so that the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet has an advantage of excellent discharge stability.

The monomers as a polymerized compound are, for example, isobornylacrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, 2-methoxyethylacrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate,cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, 1H, 1H,5H-octafluoropentyl acrylate, 1H, 1H, 5H-octafluoropentyl methacrylate,2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate,t-butyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, ethyl carbitol acrylate,2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate,2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propyl acrylate, methoxy triethylene glycolacrylate, methoxy triethylene glycol acrylate, PO-modified nonylphenolacrylate, EO-modified nonylphenol acrylate, EO-modified 2-ethylhexylacrylate, EO-modified nonylphenol acrylate, phenyl glycidyl etheracrylate, phenoxydiethylene glycol acrylate, EO-modified phenolacrylate, phenoxy ethyl acrylate, EO-modified phenol acrylate,EO-modified cresol acrylate, methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate,dipropylene glycol acrylate, dicyclopentenyl acrylate,dicyclopentenyloxyethyl acrylate, 2-n-butyl-2 ethyl-1,3-propanedioldiacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, tetra ethylene glycoldiacrylate, 1.9-nonane diol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate,bisphenol A EO-modified diacrylate, 1.6-hexanediol diacrylate,polyethylene glycol 200 diacrylate, polyethylene glycol 300 diacrylate,neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate diacrylate, 2-ethyl-2-butyl-propanedioldiacrylate, polyethylene glycol 400 diacrylate, polyethylene glycol 600diacrylate, polypropylene glycol diacrylate, 1.9-nonanediol diacrylate,1.6-hexanediol diacrylate, bisphenol A EO-modified diacrylate,PO-modified bisphenol A diacrylate, EO-modified hydrogenated bisphenol Adipropylene, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, polypropylene glycoldiacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate,trimethylolpropane EO-modified triacrylate, glycerin PO-addedtriacrylate, trisacryloyloxyethyl phosphate, pentaerythritoltetraacrylate, PO-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, PO-modifiedtrimethylolpropane triacrylate, tris (acryloxyethyl) isocyanurate,pentaerythritol triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate,pentaerythritol triacrylate, acrylic acid 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy) ethyl,1-adamantyl methyl acrylate, 1-adamantyl acrylate, 2-acryloyloxyethylphthalate, isobornyl acrylate, 3-acryloyloxyethyl propyl acrylate,acryloyl morpholine, lipoxy SP series, dicyclopentanyl acrylate,2-hydroxy 3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, w-carboxy acryloyloxyethylphthalate, dimethylol dicyclopentane diacrylate, diacrylateisosialate/triacrylate mixture, neopentyl glycol diacrylate,ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritolpenta/hexa-acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa acrylate, trimethylolpropanePO-modified triacrylate, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, or the like.Among them, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, phenoxy ethyl acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, dicyclopentenyl acrylate, dicyclopentenyloxyethylacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycoldiacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylpropane triacrylate,trimethylolpropane EO-modified triacrylate, pentaerythritoltetraacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, and acrylic acid2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy) ethyl are preferable.

Specifically, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet preferablyincludes phenoxyethyl acrylate as a polymerized compound. Because ofthis, the recording material 10 can be provided with a particularexcellent glossy appearance and a particular excellent durability. Also,the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can be provided withexcellent storage stability and excellent discharge stability, and theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet after discharging by theinkjet method has a particular excellent reactive character so that itcan provide a particular excellent productivity of the recordingmaterial.

Also, as a polymerized compound, in addition to phenoxyethyl acrylate,the ultraviolet-curable composition preferably includes at least oneselected from a group comprising acrylic acid 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl, dipropylen glycol diacrylate, tripropylen glycol acrylate,2-hydroxy 3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate. Becauseof this, the recording material 10 can be provided with excellent glossyappearance and excellent durability. Also, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with excellent storage stabilityand excellent discharge stability, and the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet after discharging by the inkjet method has aparticular excellent reactive character so that it can provide aparticular excellent productivity of the recording material, aparticular excellent abrasion resistance of the formed pattern, or thelike.

Also, as a polymerized compound, the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet preferably includes dimethylol tricyclodecane diacrylate,dimethylol dicyclopentane diacrylate, dicyclopentenyl acrylate,dicyclopentanyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, acryloylmorpholine,tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate,t-butyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, ethylcarbitol acrylate, and methoxytriethylene glycol acrylate. Because of this, the recording material 10can be provided with excellent glossy appearance and excellentdurability. Also, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can beprovided with excellent storage stability and excellent dischargestability.

Also, as a polymerized compound, the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet can include oligomer besides monomer. Specifically, it ispreferable to include multifunctional oligomer. Because of this, whileproviding the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet with excellentstorage stability, the recording material 10 can be provided with aparticular excellent durability or the like. By the way, in the presentinvention, the inside of the polymerized compound also has a repeatedstructure in a scaffold molecule, and if the molecular weight is morethan 600, it calls oligomer. If the repeated structure is urethane, itis urethane oligomer. If the repeated structure is epoxy, it is epoxyoligomer. They are preferably used as oligomer.

A content rate of the polymerized composition in the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet is preferably more than 70 mass % and less than99 mass %, and more preferably, more than 80 mass % and less than 98mass %. Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetcan be provided with excellent storage stability, excellent dischargestability, excellent hardenability, and the recording material 10 can beprovided with excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability. Bythe way, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can include morethan 2 types of compositions as a polymerized compound. In this case,the sum of the content rates of these compounds is preferably in a rangeof the above values.

Dispersant

In addition to the above described glittering powder 23, theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet preferably includes thepolymeric structure in a basic (hereinafter referred to as “basic highmolecular dispersant”). Because of this, the recording material 10 canbe provided with excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability.Also, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can be providedwith a particular excellent storage stability.

By the way, in the present invention, the basic high moleculardispersant can be anything having a polymeric structure which includes abasic and it is not limited to the particular molecular weight. Thepolymeric structure constituting the basic high molecular dispersant isnot particularly limited, but, for example, acrylic polymeric structure(including copolymer), methacrylic polymeric structure (includingcopolymer), polymeric structure of polyurethane series, hydroxylgroup-containing carboxylic acid ester structure, polymeric structure ofpolyether series, polymeric structure of silicone series, or the likecan be used.

The amine number of the basic high molecular dispersant is notparticularly limited, but more than 3 mg KOH/g and less than 80 mg KOH/gis preferable, and more than 10 mg KOH/g and less than 70 mg KOH/g ismore preferable. As the concrete examples of the basic high moleculardispersant, DISPERBYK-116 (made by BYK Chemie Company), DISPERBYK-182(mad by BYK Chemie Company), DISPERBYK-183 (made by BYK Chemie Company),DISPERBYK-184 (made by BYK Chemie Company), DISPERBYK-2155 (made by BYKChemie Company), DISPERBYK-2164 (made by BYK Chemie Company),DISPERBYK-108 (made by BYK Chemie Company), DISPERBYK-112 (made by BYKChemie Company), DISPERBYK-198 (made by BYK Chemie Company),DISPERBYK-2150 (made by BYK Chemie Company), PAA-1112 (made by NittoboCo., Ltd.) can be used.

A content rate of the basic high molecular dispersant in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet is preferably more than 0.01mass % and less than 5.0 mass %, and more preferably, more than 0.1 mass% and less than 2.0 mass %. Because of this, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with excellent storage stability,excellent discharge stability, excellent hardenability, and therecording material 10 can be provided with excellent glossy appearanceand excellent durability. By the way, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can include more than 2 types of compositions asa basic high molecular dispersant. In this case, the sum of the contentrates of these compounds is preferably in a range of the above values.

Composition A

Also, in the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet in the presentinvention, it is preferable to include a composition A having a partialstructure shown in formula (5) below.

(In formula (5), R¹ represents hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, oralkoxy group, and R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ respectively and independentlyrepresent hydrogen atoms or hydrocarbon group).

By containing the composition A having such a chemical formula mixedwith the glittering powder 23 treated by the above described surfacepreparation and the basic high molecular dispersant in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with a particular excellentstorage stability and a particular excellent hardenability. Also, in therecording material produced by using the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet, the glossy appearance/high-class appearance, which isoriginally included as a characteristic of a material constituting theglittering powder 23, is effectively demonstrated so that it can providea particular excellent glossy appearance and a particular excellentdurability of the print layer 2 and it can provide a particularexcellent durability of the recording material 10.

In formula (5), R¹ represents hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, oralkoxy group (this is a chain or alicyclic hydrocarbon group bonded tooxygen atom), but specifically, hydrogen atom, methyl group, or octyloxygroup are preferable. Because of this, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can be provided with excellent storage stabilityand excellent discharge stability, and the print layer 2 can be providedwith excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability.

Also, in formula (5), R² to R⁵ could respectively and independentlyrepresent hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon group, but alkyl group of acarbon number 1 to 3 is preferable and methyl group is more preferable.Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can beprovided with excellent storage stability and excellent dischargestability, and a print layer 2 can be provided with excellent glossyappearance and excellent durability.

A content rate of the composition A in the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet is preferably more than 0.1 mass % and less than5.0 mass %, and more preferably, more than 0.5 mass % and less than 3.0mass %. Because of this, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetcan be provided with excellent storage stability, excellent dischargestability, and excellent hardenability, and the recording material 10 isprovided with excellent glossy appearance and excellent durability. Bythe way, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet can include morethan 2 types of compositions as a composition A. In this case, the sumof the content rates of these compounds is preferably in a range of theabove values.

When the content rate of the composition A is X_(A) (mass %) and thecontent rate of the glittering powder 23 is X_(M) (mass %), it ispreferable to satisfy a relationship of 0.01≦X_(A)/X_(M)≦0.8, and arelationship of 0.05≦X_(A)/X_(M)≦0.4 is more preferable. By satisfyingthese relationships, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet canbe provided with excellent storage stability and excellent dischargestability, and the print layer 2 can be provided with excellent glossyappearance and excellent durability.

Other Components

The ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet used for forming theprint layer 2 can include components (other components) besides thecomponents discussed above. As these components, for example, it can bea photopolymerization initiator, slip agents (leveling agent),dispersants other than the basic high molecular dispersant, apolymerization accelerator, a polymerization inhibitor, penetrationenhancers, wetting agents (humectants), coloring agents, fixing agents,antifungal agents, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents,thickeners, sensitizer (sensitizing dye), or the like.

As a photopolymerization initiator, it is not particularly limited if itcan generate active species of radical, cation, or the like byirradiating ultraviolet light and it can start the polymerizationreaction of the polymerized compound. As a photopolymerizationinitiator, a photo-radical polymerization initiator or a photo-cationpolymerization initiator can be used, but the photo-radicalpolymerization initiator is preferably used. When thephotopolymerization initiator is used, it is preferable that thephotopolymerization initiator has an absorption peak in the ultravioletrange.

As a photo-radical polymerization initiator, for example, it can bearomatic ketones, acyl phosphine oxide compound, aromatic onium saltcompound, organic peroxides, thio compound (thioxanthone compound, andthiophenyl group-containing compound), hexaarylbiimidazole compound,ketoxime ester compound, borate compound, azinium compound, metallocenecompound, active ester compound, compound having carbon-halogen bond,alkylamine compound, or the like. Among them, in view of resolvabilityand hardenability to the polymerized compound, at least one selectedfrom acyl phosphine oxide compound and thioxanthone compound ispreferable and it is more preferable to combine acyl phosphine oxidecompound and thioxanthone compound.

The concrete examples of the photo-radical polymerization initiator areacetophenone, acetophenone benzyl ketal, 1-hydroxy cyclohexyl phenylketone, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, xanthone, fluorenone,benzaldehyde, fluorene, anthraquinone, triphenylamine, carbazole,3-methylaceto phenone, 4-chlorobenzophenone,4,4′-dimethoxy-benzophenone, 4,4′-diamino benzophenone, Michler'sketone, benzoin propyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzyl dimethylketal, 1-(4-isopropyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-one,2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, thioxanthone, diethylthioxanthone, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone,2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio) phenyl]-2-morpholino-propan-1-one, bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-phenyl phosphine oxide,2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide, 2,4-diethyloxan,(2,6-dimethylbenzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl phosphine oxide, or thelike. Among them, one or more than two compounds are selected and thecombination of these compounds can be used.

The content rate of the photopolymerization initiator in theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet is preferably more than 0.5mass % and less than 10 mass %. In the range of the content rate of thephotopolymerization initiator, ultraviolet curing speed is sufficientlylarge and in addition, the remains of melted photopolymerizationinitiator or the coloration caused by the photopolymerization initiatordo not occur. When the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjetincludes a slip agent, by leveling function, the surface of therecording material 10 becomes smoother surface so that the durability isimproved.

As a slip agent, it is not particularly limited, but for example,silicone surfactants of polyester modified-silicone, polyethermodified-silicone, or the like can be used and it is preferable to usepolyester modified-polydimethylsiloxane or polyethermodified-polydimethylsiloxane. By the way, the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet can include a polymerization inhibitor. However,even when the polymerization inhibitor is included, the content rate ofthe polymerization inhibitor in the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet is preferably less than 0.6 mass % and more preferably less than0.2 mass %. Because of this, since the content of the polymerizedcompound in the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet is relativelyhigh, the print layer 2 can be provided with a particular excellentdurability.

Also, it is preferable that the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet does not include organic solvent that is removed (vaporized) inthe production process of the recording material. Because of this, anoccurrence of the VOC (volatile organic compound) problem can beeffectively prevented. The viscosity of the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet in the present invention at room temperature (20°C.) is preferably less than 20 mPa·s and more preferably more than 3 mPaand less than 15 mPa. Because of this, the ink droplet by the inkjetmethod can be properly performed.

As a droplet discharge method (inkjet method), a piezo method, a methodthat discharges ink from bubble generated by heating ink, or the likecan be used, but from the viewpoint of the prevention of a propertychange in the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet, the piezomethod is preferable. A publicly known droplet discharge device can beused for performing the discharge of the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet by using the inkjet method.

The ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet discharged by the inkjetmethod can be hardened by irradiating the ultraviolet light. As a sourceof the ultraviolet light, for example, a mercury lamp, a metal halidelamp, an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED), an ultraviolet laserdiode (UV-LD), or the like can be used. Among them, from the viewpointof compact size, long life, high efficiency, and low cost, theultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) and the ultraviolet laserdiode (UV-LD) are preferable.

Hereinbefore, the present invention was explained based on the preferredembodiments, but the present invention is not limited to theseembodiments. For example, in the above described embodiments, it wasmainly explained that the mother particles were used as the glitteringpowder when the metal powder was treated by the surface preparation withthe fluorinated silane compound and/or the fluorinated phosphate ester,but it is possible that the glittering powder does not have to betreated by the surface preparation. Also, the mother particles in theglittering powder can be treated by the surface preparation with thesurface preparation agent other than the fluorinated silane compound andthe fluorinated phosphate ester.

EXAMPLES

Next, the concrete examples of the present invention will be explained.

(1) Production of Ultraviolet-Curable Composition for Inkjet PreparationExample 1

First of all, a film made by polyethylene terephthalate, which has asmooth surface, (surface roughness Ra is less than 0.02 μm) wasprepared.

Next, silicone oil entirely applies to one side of the film surface.Next, a film constituting A1 is formed on the surface, that the siliconeoil was applied, by the evaporation method. Further, the film made bypolyethylene terephthalate (base material), which was constituted by theA1 film, is soaked into the liquid constituted by diethylene glycoldiethylester and the supersonic vibration is applied to it. Because ofthis, the powder made by A1 that has scale-like shape (particles thatshould become mother particles) was obtained.

Next, the above obtained A1 particles are put in 1 mass % propanolsolution of CF₃(CF₂)₄(CH₂)₂O—PO(OH)₂ as a fluorinated phosphate esterand by stirring it for 10 seconds, the surface preparation was performedby the fluorinated phosphate ester so that the glittering powder (metalpowder) was obtained. The average grain diameter of the obtainedglittering powder is 0.8 μm, and the average thickness is 60 nm.

Next, by mixing the glittering powder with DISPERBYK-183 (made by BYKChemie Company) as a dispersant (basic high molecular dispersant) havinga basic polymerization structure, phenoxyethyl acrylate, Irgacure 819(made by Chiba. Japan Company) as a photopolymerization initiator,Speedcure TPO (made by ACETO Company) as a photopolymerizationinitiator, Speedcure DETX (made by Lambson Company) as aphotopolymerization initiator, and composition A having a chemicalformula shown in formula (6) below, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet was obtained.

Preparation Examples 2 To 11

The constitution of the glittering powder is shown in table 1 and table2. The ultraviolet-curable compositions for inkjet in these exampleswere produced in the same manner as the above described preparationexample 1 except the compositions to be shown in table 1 and table 2 bychanging the types of raw materials and ratios used for the adjustmentof the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet.

Preparation Examples 12 To 17

The constitution of the glittering powder is shown in table 2. Theultraviolet-curable compositions for inkjet in these examples wereproduced in the same manner as the above described preparation example 1except the compositions to be as shown in table 2 by changing the typesof raw materials and ratios used for the adjustment of theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet.

Regarding the above described respective preparation examples, as awhole, the components of the ultraviolet-curable compositions for inkjetare shown in table 1 and table 2. In the tables, “S1” representsCF₃(CF₂)₄(CH₂)₂O—PO(OH)₂, “S2” represents CF₃(CF₂)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(OC₂H₅)₃,“S3′ represents CF₃—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, “S4” representsCF₃(CF₂)₇—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, “S5” representsCF₃(CF₂)₅(CH₂)₂O—PO(OH)(OC₂H₅), “S6” representsCF₃(CF₂)₅—CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃, “S′1” represents NH₃—(CH₂)₃—Si(OCH₃)₃, “D1”represents DISPERBYK-183 (made by BYK Chemie Company, amine number: 17mg KOH/g), “D2” represents DISPERBYK-182 (made by BYK Chemie Company,amine number: 13 mg KOH/g), “D3” represents DISPERBYK-184 (made by BYKChemie Company, amine number: 15 mg KOH/g), “D4” representsDISPERBYK-116 (made by BYK Chemie Company, amine number 65 mg KOH/g),“D5” represents DISPERBYK-2155 (made by BYK Chemie Company, aminenumber: 48 mg HOK/g), “D6” represents DISPERBYK-2164 (made by BYK ChemieCompany, amine number 14 mg KOH/g), “D7” represents PAA-1112 (made byNittobo Company), “D′1” represents EMANON 4110 (made by KaoCorporation), “D′2” represents NONION P-208 (made by Nichiyu Company),“PES” represents phnoxyethyl acrylate, “TPGDA” represents tripropyleneglycol diacrylate, “DPGDA” represents dipropylene glycol diacrylate,“HPPA” represents 1-hydroxy 3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, “VC” representsN-vinyl caprolactam, “DMTCDDA” represents dimethylol tricyclodecaneacrylate, “DMDCPTA” represents dimethylol dicyclopentane diacrylate,“DCPTeA” represents dicyclopentenyl acrylate, “DCPTaA” representsdicyclopentanyl acrylate, “IBA” represents isobornyl acrylate, “AM”represents acryloylmorpholine, “THFA” represents “tetrahydrofurfurylacrylate”, “ECA” represents ethylcarbitol acrylate, “MTEGA” representsmethoxytriethylene glycol acrylate, “CHA” represents cyclohexylacrylate, “TBA” represents t-butyl acrylate, “BA” represents benzylacrylate, “VEEA” represents acrylate 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy) ethyl, “HBA”represents 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, “BM” represents benzyl methacrylate,“UA” represents urethane acrylate, “HAD” represents 1,6-hexandioldiacrylate, “A1” represents a compound (composition A) shown in theabove described formula (6), “A2” represents a compound (composition A)shown in the above described formula (7), “A3” represents a compound(composition A) shown in the above described formula (8), “A4”represents a compound (composition A) shown in the above describedformula (9), “ic819” represents Irgacure 819 (made by Chiba. JapanCompany), “scTPO” represents Speedcure TPO (made by ACETO Company),“scDETX” represents Speedcure DETX (made by Lambson Company), “UV3500”represents UV-3500 (made BKY Chemi Company), and “MEHQ” representshydroquinone monomethyl ether. Regarding preparation example 9 in thetables, the components of the constituent materials of the motherparticles are shown in a ratio by weight for a content rate of eachelement. Also, by performing the observation of any 10 glittering powder(particles) included in each ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet,the ratios (S₁/S₀) between an area S₁ (μm²) (as viewed in a planer view)as viewed in a direction observed from where a profile area becomesmaximum and an area S₀ (μm²) as viewed in a direction observed fromwhere an area as viewed in a direction perpendicular to an observationdirection becomes maximum are calculated, and as a result, the S₁/S_(o)value in preparation examples 1 to 11, 12, and 14-17 were more than 8,respectively. Also, the S₁/S₀ value in preparation example 13 was 1. Inaddition, by using vibration type viscometer, the viscosity of theultraviolet-curable compositions for inkjet in preparation examples 1 to11 measured in reference with J1S Z8809 at 20° was in a range between 3mPa·s and 15 mPa·s. By the way, D1 to D7 respectively have a polymericstructure in a basic (basic high molecular dispersant).

(However, the composition A shown in formula (9) is a mixture of aplurality of compositions (main component is a composition that n in theformula is between 15 to 18).)

TABLE 1 Constitution of Contents of Content of Ultraviolet-curableComposition for Inkjet Composition Glittering Powder Glittering Powder(Metal Powder) Dispersant Composition A Constituent Materials AverageContent Content Content Material of Used for Grain Average Maximum RateRate Rate Mother Surface Diameter thickness diameter (Mass (Mass (MassParticles Preparation Shape (μm) (μm) (μm) Part) Part) Part) Prep. A1 S1Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0 D1 0.16 A1 0.28 Example 1 like Prep. A1 S1 Scale-0.9 60 3.1 4.0 D1 0.8 A2 0.8 Example 2 like Prep. A1 S1 Scale- 2.0 604.2 2.0 D2 1.4 A1 1.4 Example 3 like Prep. A1 S2 Scale- 1.1 60 2.9 2.0D3 0.4 A1 0.4 Example 4 like Prep. A1 S3 Scale- 1.0 40 2.7 2.0 D4 0.3 A30.3 Example 5 like Prep. A1 S4 Scale- 0.7 40 2.4 4.0 D5 0.2 A1 0.2Example 6 like Prep. A1 S5 Scale- 0.9 30 3.6 2.0 D6 1.2 A4 1.2 Example 7like Prep. A1 S6 Scale- 1.5 30 3.4 1.0 D7 1.0 A1 1.0 Example 8 likeContents of Content of Ultraviolet-curable Composition for InkjetComposition Polymerized Compound Other Components Content Content RateRate (Mass (Mass Part) Part) Prep. PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/Example 1 scDETX 2.0 Prep. PEA/TPGDA/DPGDA/ 35.0/35.3/ ic819/scTPO/4.0/4.0/ Example 2 VC/IBA/HPPA 2.0/5.5/ scDETX/UV3500/ 2.0/0.2/0.24.0/2.2 MEHQ Prep. PEA/VEEA/TPGDA/ 35.8/32.1/ ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/Example 3 DPGDA/DMTCDDA/ 2.0/5.5/ scDETX/UV3500 2.0/0.2 AM 4.0/5.6 Prep.PEA/DCPTeA/ 36.2/37.5/ ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 4 DMDCPTA/IBA/HBA2.0/9.5/1.6 xcDETX/UV3500/ 2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQ Prep. PEA/VEEA/TPGDA/36.2/34.6/ ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 5 DPGDA/BM/BA/UA 1.0/2.0/UV3500/MEHQ 0.2/0.2 5.5/4.0/3.9 Prep. PEA/VEEA/TBA 46.8/32.2/ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 6 10.0 UV3500/MEHQ 0.2/0.2 Prep.PEA/DCPTaA/THFA 35.8/39.1/ ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 7 11.5scDETX/UV3500/ 2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQ Prep. PEA/ECA/MTEGA/ 36.3/39.8/ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 8 CHA/BM 2.0/5.5/4.0 scDETX/UV3500/2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQ

TABLE 2 Constitution of Contents of Content of Ultraviolet-curableComposition for Inkjet Composition Glittering Powder Glittering Powder(Metal Powder) Dispersant Composition A Constituent Materials AverageContent Content Content Material of Used for Grain Average Maximum RateRate Rate Mother Surface Diameter thickness diameter (Mass (Mass (MassParticles Preparation Shape (μm) (μm) (μm) Part) Part) Part) Prep.Ni49.5Fe50.5 S4 Scale- 1.8 93 2.9 2.0 D1 0.8 A2 0.8 Example 9 like Prep.SUS316L S5 Scale- 1.5 76 2.7 2.0 D5 0.2 A1 0.2 Example 10 like Prep. A1S1 Scale- 1.2 54 3.1 1.5 D3 0.4 A1 0.4 Example 11 like A1 S2 Scale- 1.245 2.4 1.5 like Prep. A1 — Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0 D1 0.16 A1 0.28 Example12 like Prep. A1 — Spheri- 0.8 800 5.9 2.0 D1 0.16 A1 0.28 Example 13cal Prep. A1  S′1 Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0 D1 0.16 A1 0.28 Example 14 likePrep. A1 S1 Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0 — — A1 0.28 Example 15 like Prep. A1S1 Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0  D′1 0.16 A1 0.28 Example 16 like Prep. A1 S1Scale- 0.8 60 3.0 2.0  D′2 0.16 A1 0.28 Example 17 like Contents ofContent of Ultraviolet-curable Composition for Inkjet CompositionPolymerized Compound Other Components Content Content Rate Rate (Mass(Mass Part) Part) Prep. PEA/VEEA/ 36.2/36.7/ ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/Example 9 TPGDA/DPGDA/AM 2.0/9.5/1.6 scDETX/UV3500/ 2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQPrep. PEA/DCPTeA 46.8/40.4 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 10scDETX/UV3500/ 2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQ Prep. PEA/DCPTeA/ 15.2/57.5/ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 11 DA/DCPTA/HAD 2.0/11.1 scDETX?UV3500/2.0/0.2/0.2 MEHQ Prep. PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 12 scDETX2.0 Prep. PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 13 scDETX 2.0 Prep.PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 14 scDETX 2.0 Prep. PEA 87.72ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/ Example 15 scDETX 2.0 Prep. PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/4.0/4.0/ Example 16 scDETX 2.0 Prep. PEA 87.56 ic819/scTPO/ 4.0/4.0/Example 17 scDETX 2.0

(2) Production Of A Recording Material Example 1

By using the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet of preparationexample 1, the recording material for an interior panel was provided asfollows. First of all, the inkjet compositions were put in the inkjetapparatus.

After that, the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet wasdischarged in a predetermined pattern on a base material (recordingmedium) having a curving surface part that was formed by usingpolycarbonate (made by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., CARBOGLASS PUSH 2 mmthickness). After that, the interior panels (ten) as a recordingmaterial were obtained by hardening the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet on the base material. The ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet was hardened by irradiating ultraviolet light, which has amaximum value of spectrum at 365 nm, 380 nm, and 395 nm wavelengths, at180 mW/cm² of the irradiation intensity for 15 seconds.

Also 10 interior panels (recording materials) were respectively providedin the above same manner besides using polyethylene terephthalate (madeby Mitsubishi Plastic, Inc., DIAFOIL G440E 38 μm thickness) used to formas a base material, low-density polyethylene (made by Mitsui ChemicalsTohcell, Inc., T.U.S. (L-LDPE) HC-E #80) used to form as a basematerial, biaxially oriented polypropylene (made by Mitsui ChemicalsTohcell, Inc., OP U-1 #60) used to form as a base material, and hardvinyl chloride (made by Acrysunday Co., Ltd., SUNDAY SHEET (transparent)0.5 mm thickness) used to form as a base material.

Examples 2 to 11

The interior panel was provided in the same manner as the abovedescribed example 1 except changing a type of the ultraviolet-curablecompositions for inkjet, which is used for providing the recordingmaterial, prepared in the respective preparation examples 2 to 11.

Comparative Examples 1 to 6

The interior panel was provided in the same manner as the abovedescribed example 1 except changing a type of the ultraviolet-curablecompositions for inkjet, which is used for providing the recordingmaterial, prepared in the respective preparation examples 12 to 17.

(3) Evaluation of Recording Material

The respective above obtained recording materials were evaluated asfollows.

(3.1) Appearance Evaluation of Recording Materials

The recording materials of the respective examples and the comparativeexamples were visually evaluated in accordance with 7 stages standardbelow.

A: Extremely excellent appearance with a full of rich glossy appearance.

B: Excellent appearance with a full of rich glossy appearance.

C: Very good appearance with a rich glossy appearance.

D: Good appearance with a rich glossy appearance.

E: Slightly not-good appearance with an insufficient glossy appearance.

F: Not-good appearance with a weak glossy appearance.

G: Extremely not-good appearance with a weak glossy appearance.

(3.2) Degree of Glossiness

Regarding the print layer of the recording materials in the respectiveexamples and comparative examples, by using the degree of glossiness(MINOLTA MULTI GLOSS 268), the degree of the glossiness measured in aflap angle 60° was evaluated in accordance with standards below.

A: Degree of glossiness more than 400.

B: Degree of glossiness more than 300 and less than 400.

C: Degree of glossiness more than 200 and less than 300.

D: Degree of glossiness less than 200.

(3.3) Abrasion Resistance

Regarding the recording materials of the respective examples andcomparative examples, the abrasion resistance test using polyethyleneterephthalate film (Mitsubishi Plastic, Inc., DIAFOILG440E) wasperformed by using Sutherland rub tester in reference with JIS K5701when 48 hours elapsed from the production of the recording materials. Inthe same method as discussed above (3.2), the degree of glossiness (flapangle 60°) for the recording materials was measured after the abrasionresistance test, and a decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness afterthe abrasion resistance test was calculated for the evaluation inaccordance with standards below.

A: A decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness is less than 5%.

B: A decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness is more than 5% andless than 13%.

C: A decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness is more than 13% andless than 23%.

D: A decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness is more than 23% andless than 27%.

E: A decreasing rate of the degree of glossiness is less than 27% or thesurface of the recording medium is exposed because the metal particleswere come off.

(3.4) Film Strength of Print Layer

Regarding the recording materials of the respective examples and thecomparative examples, a cross-cut method was executed and the degree ofglossiness measurement was performed for respective masses. And, anumber of masses that the decreasing rate of the degree of glossinesswas more than 5% due to the abrasion in the print layer were calculatedand the evaluation was made in accordance with the following standards.

A: A number of masses confirmed that the decreasing rate of the degreeof glossiness is less than 5% as a whole.

B: A number of masses confirmed that the decreasing rate of the degreeof glossiness is more than 5% and less than 15% as a whole.

C: A number of masses confirmed that the decreasing rate of the degreeof glossiness is more than 15% and less than 30% as a whole.

D: A number of masses confirmed that the decreasing rate of the degreeof glossiness is more than 30% as a whole.

(3.5) Heat-Cycle Test

Regarding the recording materials of the respective examples andcomparative examples, an existence or non-existence of the occurrence ofabrasions or cracks was visually observed after performing 100 cycles ofwhich an individual piece cut out in three centimeter square wasalternately in the environment of 75° per hour and the environment of−10° per hour. 10 pieces were put in, respectively and the evaluationswere made in accordance with the standards below.

A: An occurrence of abrasions or cracks is 0 pieces.

B: An occurrence of abrasions or cracks is 1 piece.

C: An occurrence of abrasions or cracks is more than 2 pieces.

These results are shown in table 3 with a ratio value X1 (percent byvolume) of the glittering powder included in the first area of the printlayer and a ratio value X2 (percent by volume) of the glittering powderincluded in the second area of the print layer. By the way, in table 3,M1 represents a recording material provided by using a base material ofpolycarbonate, M2 represents a recording material provided by using abase material of polyethylene terephthalate, M3 represents a recordingmaterial provided by using a base material of low density polyethylene,M4 represents a recording material provided by using a base material ofbiaxially oriented polypropylene, and M5 represents a recording materialprovided by using a base material of hard vinyl chloride. Also, theratio of the glittering powder included in the first area of the printlayer and the ratio of the glittering powder included in the second areaof the print layer can be obtained by observing the cross-section byusing an electron scanning microscope after the recording material wascut by the FIB (focused ion beam).

TABLE 3 Ultraviolet-curable Composition for Inkjet Used for X1 X2 PrintLayer (percentage (percentage Appearance of Recording Material Degree ofGlossiness Formation by volume) by volume) M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5Example 1 Preparation 97 3 A A A A A A A A A A Example 1 Example 2Preparation 84 16 A A A A A A A A A A Example 2 Example 3 Preparation 7129 A A A A A B B B B B Example 3 Example 4 Preparation 79 21 A A A A A BB B B B Example 4 Example 5 Preparation 74 26 A A A A A A A A A AExample 5 Example 6 Preparation 82 18 A A A A A A A A A A Example 6Example 7 Preparation 85 15 A A A A A A A A A A Example 7 Example 8Preparation 71 29 A A A A A B B B B B Example 8 Example 9 Preparation 7030 A A A A A B B B B B Example 9 Example 10 Preparation 79 21 A A A A AB B B B B Example 10 Example 11 Preparation 89 11 A A A A A A A A A AExample 11 Comparative Preparation 45 55 F F F F F C C C C C Example 1Example 12 Comparative Preparation 31 69 G G G G G D D D D D Example 2Example 13 Comparative Preparation 54 46 E E E E E C C C C C Example 3Example 14 Comparative Preparation 50 50 E E E E E C C C C C Example 4Example 15 Comparative Preparation 62 48 E E E E E B B B B B Example 5Example 16 Comparative Preparation 59 41 E E E E E B B B B B Example 6Example 17 Abrasion Resistance Film Strength of Print Layer Heat-cycleTest M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 Example 1 A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A Example 2 A A A A A A B B B A A B B A A Example 3 A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A Example 4 A A A A A A B A A A A A A A AExample 5 A A A A A A A A A A A B A A A Example 6 A A A A A A B B B A AB B A A Example 7 A A A A A A B B B A A B A A A Example 8 B B B B B A AA A A B B B B B Example 9 A A A A A A B A A A A A A A A Example 10 A A AA A B B B B A A B B A A Example 11 A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AComparative C C C C C C C C C C B C C C C Example 1 Comparative C C C CC C D D D C B C C C B Example 2 Comparative C C C C C C D D D C B C C CC Example 3 Comparative C C C C C C D D D C B C C C C Example 4Comparative B B B B B C D D D C B B B B B Example 5 Comparative B B B BB C D D D C B B B B B Example 6

As is clear from table 3, the recording material of the presentinvention had excellent glossy appearance and excellent appearance, andit had excellent abrasion resistance of the print layer, excellent filmstrength of the print layer, and excellent stability for the temperaturechanges. Also, in examples 1 to 11, the ultraviolet-curable compositionfor inkjet used for forming the print layer had excellent dischargestability of droplet and excellent storage stability. On the other hand,the sufficient results were not obtained in the comparative examples.Also, the recording materials were provided in the same manner exceptchanging the average thickness of the print layer in a range between 0.5μm and 50 μm, and when the same evaluations as described above weremade, the same results as described above were obtained.

The recording material of one embodiment of the invention is produced byusing the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet including apolymerized compound and a glittering powder. The recording materialcomprises a recording medium and a print layer formed on the recordingmedium. The thickness of the print layer is T (μm). When an area that isthickness 0.5 T (μm) from the outer surface in the print layer is thefirst area, and an area that is thickness 0.5 T (μm) from the contactsurface contacting the recording medium in the print layer is the secondarea, a ratio of the glittering powder included in the first area of theprint layer is more than 70 percent by volume and less than 95 percentby volume and a ratio of the glittering powder included in the secondarea of the print layer is more than 5 percent by volume and less than30 percent by volume. Because of this, a recording material having apattern (print layer) can be provided with excellent glossy appearanceand excellent durability.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the average thickness ofthe print layer is preferably more than 0.5 μm and less than 50 μm.Because of this, the recording material can be provided with aparticular excellent glossy appearance and a particular excellentdurability. In the recording material of the present invention, thecontent rate of the glittering powder in the print layer is preferablymore than 0.1 percent by volume and less than 5.0 percent by volume.Because of this, the recording material can be provided with aparticular excellent glossy appearance and a particular excellentdurability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A material comprising: a layer produced by anultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet that includes a polymerizedcompound and a glittering powder, wherein the glittering powder has ascale-like shape, and an average thickness of the glittering powder ismore than 10 nm and less than 100 nm, an average grain diameter is lessthan 3.0 μm, and in addition, a maximum grain diameter is less than 5μm.
 2. The material according to claim 1, wherein a content rate of theglittering powder in the layer is more than 0.1 percent by volume andless than 5.0 percent by volume.
 3. The material according to claim 1,wherein an average thickness of the layer is more than 0.5 μm and lessthan 50 μm.
 4. The material according to claim 1, wherein a thickness ofthe layer is T (μm), and when an area that is thickness 0.5 T (μm) froman outer surface in the layer is a first area and an area that isthickness 0.5 T (μm) from a contact surface contacting a recordingmedium in the layer is a second area, a ratio of the glittering powderincluded in the first area of the layer is more than 70 percent byvolume and less than 95 percent by volume, and a ratio of the glitteringpowder included in the second area of the layer is more than 5 percentby volume and less than 30 percent by volume.
 5. The material accordingto claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet inwhich mother particles constitute A1 on at least vicinity of a surfaceas the glittering powder includes metal particles treated by a surfacepreparation with a fluorinated silane compound and/or a fluorinatedphosphate ester as a surface preparation agent.
 6. The materialaccording to claim 5, wherein the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet preferably includes the metal powder that is treated by thesurface preparation with the fluorinated silane compound having achemical formula shown in formula (1) as followsR¹SiX¹ _(a)R² _((3-a))  (1) wherein, in formula (1), R¹ represents ahydrocarbon group in which a part or all of hydrogen atoms issubstituted by fluorine atom, X¹ represents hydrolysis group, ethergroup, chloro group or hydroxyl group, R² represents alkyl group havinga carbon number 1 to 4, and a represents an integer between 1 to
 3. 7.The material according to claim 5, wherein the ultraviolet-curablecomposition for inkjet preferably includes the metal powder that istreated by the surface preparation with the fluorinated phosphate esterhaving a chemical formula shown in formula (2) as follows;POR_(n)(OH)_(3-n)  (2) wherein, in formula (2), R representsCF₃(CF₂)_(m)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(l)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂O)_(l)—,CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂CH₂O)_(l)—, CF₃(CF₂)_(m)O— or CF₃(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(l)O—, nrepresents an integer between 1 to 3, m represents an integer between 2to 18, and 1 represents an integer between 1 to
 18. 8. The materialaccording to claim 5, wherein the surface preparation agent has aperfluoroalkyl structure.
 9. The material according to claim 5, whereinin addition to the polymerized compound and the metal powder, theultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet includes a dispersant havinga polymeric structure in a basic.
 10. The material according to claim 1,wherein the ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet includesphenoxyethyl acrylate as a polymerized compound.
 11. The materialaccording to claim 10, wherein in addition to the phenoxyethyl acrylate,as a polymerized compound, the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet includes at least one selected from a group comprising2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate,tripropylene glycol diacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyle acrylate, and4-hydroxybutyl acrylate.
 12. The material according to claim 1, whereinas a polymerized compound, the ultraviolet-curable composition forinkjet includes at least one selected from a group comprising dimethyloltricyclodecane diacrylate, dimethylol dicyclopentane diacrylate,dicyclopentenyl acrylate, dicyclopentanyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate,acryloylmorpholine, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate,isobutyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, ethylcarbitolacrylate, and methoxy triethylene glycol acrylate.